Back in 2011, network architects at the NASA Center for Climate Simulation began investigating the viability of running the organisation's modelling and simulation applications on cloud infrastructure as an alternative to its purpose-built computing cluster named Discover.

The world's largest manufacturer of SIM cards had its internal computer network hacked and encryption keys stolen by spy agencies in the Unites States and the United Kingdom, according to documents leaked by whistleblower Edward Snowden.

iiNet has hinged much of its growth strategy on the rollout of the National Broadband Network, but CEO David Buckingham is pessimistic that the government will deliver on its promises of a faster rollout.